VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 begin their 2013 United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) season this Friday, May 10 at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium against fellow Western Conference, Northwest Division rivals Kitsap Pumas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and admission is free to the public.

The PDL provides an opportunity for young players to develop and gain professional experience. Many top MLS players have played in the PDL, such as Sporting Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi, New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty, and Whitecaps FC’s own Jay DeMerit.

Returning players for Whitecaps FC from last season include midfielder Gagandeep Dosanjh, who registered four goals and four assists in 16 matches last season, and defender James Farenhorst, who registered three goals and one assist in his first season with the Blue and White.

Last season, the ‘Caps finished in fifth place in the Western Conference, Northwest Division with an overall record of 7W-6L-3D and narrowly missed the playoffs by one point. This season, the team will be coached by Whitecaps FC head of high performance Stuart Neely and his side will be looking to improve upon last year’s record and make a run at the postseason.

Neely believes his players are ready for a challenge from a strong Kitsap squad to kick off their 2013 season.

“Kitsap are returning another strong side, as they have been over the years, and we’re looking forward to a tremendous challenge for our boys Friday night,” commented Neely. “We’re looking forward to that challenge and putting on a good performance for the fans at home.”

Included in Friday's roster will be three players on loan from the 'Caps MLS roster: goalkeeper Simon Thomas, defender Adam Clement, and midfielder Aminu Abdallah.

KITSAP PUMAS

Kitsap are coming off of a 3-0 season-opening loss to Victoria Highlanders FC last Saturday, May 4.

The Pumas will be looking to improve upon their 2012 third place finish in the Western Conference, Northwest Division, boasting an overall record of 10W-4L-2D. After qualifying for the playoffs last year, head coach James Ritchie’s side were defeated 2-1 by Portland Timbers U-23 in the Conference quarterfinals.

The Pumas will be looking to continue their impressive streak of making the PDL playoffs in each of their four years of existence in the league.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last season, the ‘Caps held a record of 1W-0L-1D against the Pumas, including a 3-0 victory for the Blue and White to kick off their 2012 campaign. Overall, the ‘Caps hold a 1W-4L-2D all-time record against their Northwest Division rivals and will be looking to improve upon that record over their two meetings this season.